Happy New Month! Last month, I had the pleasure of engaging in a delightful conversation with Rebecca Archer of Archer Kitchen regarding her experiences as a content creator.
Rebecca is a food based content creator out of the UK. Since 2021, she has dedicated herself to Archer Kitchen, transitioning to full-time status as of September last year. Remarkably, she has amassed a substantial following of 164K and counting on Instagram! Rebecca specializes in crafting healthy and accessible recipes, offering quick and easy meal solutions for all. I met Rebecca during my travels last summer, during which she generously imparted invaluable insights into the realm of content creation and the requisites for success.
How did you get into content creation?
Dorothy: Could you briefly tell us how you got started with content creation?
Rebecca: I created my Instagram page back in 2021. Back then, I was juggling a full time job in social media at a renowned tech company, splitting my time between London and Sheffield. Although my career was going well, I always harbored a desire to dive into Archer Kitchen and content creation full-time. It wasn’t until July last year that I finally mustered the courage to take the leap. By September 2023, I was fully committed to it.
Why become a food content creator?
Dorothy: What sparked your interest in cooking?
Rebecca: Well, I come from a big family that’s all about hosting gatherings, and growing up, I was constantly surrounded by incredible food and cooks. So, naturally, I found myself helping out my mom and sister in the kitchen from a young age, which really ignited my passion for cooking. Besides that, traveling with my dad to various places exposed me to diverse cultures and cuisines, further fueling my love for culinary adventures.
Anyone can cook.
Dorothy: I firmly believe that anyone can cook. If you can read a recipe and follow instructions, you’ve got what it takes. What’s your take on this?
Rebecca: Absolutely, I hear that sentiment a lot. People often tell me they can’t cook because they lack confidence or feel clueless in the kitchen. But you don’t need to be a culinary expert like Gordon Ramsay to enjoy cooking. My focus is on sharing quick, easy, and healthy recipes that anyone can master. Nowadays, we’re all short on time but still crave good food.
If you’re still reading this and haven’t checked out ArcherKitchen on Instagram, I highly recommend it. Rebecca’s recipes are not only easy to follow but also quick to whip up. Give her a follow here.
Balancing your passion as a content creator with a full-time job
I can’t wrap my head around leaving my job and going full-time into this (not yet, at least). But hey, there are folks like Rebecca who’ve taken that big leap, and it’s paying off. Balancing it all in a society that’s all about the grind isn’t a walk in the park. You’re constantly battling that feeling of falling short somewhere along the line.
Dorothy: What was that balance like for you?- holding on to a full time job while putting all this effort into content creation?
Disclaimer: Nobody’s telling you to ditch your job. Rebecca is just sharing from her own experience.
Rebecca: Oh, it was tough, no doubt about it. One of the biggest challenges I faced, like many aspiring content creators, was maintaining consistency while also keeping up with a demanding 9 to 5 corporate gig. But if I’m being completely honest, it all comes down to how much you want it. You have to seriously consider your level of commitment to becoming a content creator. Are you content with it being a side hobby while you climb the corporate ladder, or are you ready to go all-in on content creation? These are the questions you need to ask yourself.
Dorothy: So, we’re noticing a trend where many content creators who used to go full-time are now opting for full-time jobs again and treating content creation as a hobby. What do you make of this?
Rebecca: It’s all about having a plan. Think about whether you could manage without your current job and cover your expenses. Maybe consider finding a part-time gig that gives you the flexibility to pursue your passion. Why not explore that option? You don’t have to quit your job until you’ve got a safety net and a solid grasp of what it takes. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight.
Lessons and Insights
Dorothy: Can you give us some insights and lessons from your journey?
Rebecca: Absolutely! It’s all about putting in the work. If you’re aiming for rapid growth, viral content, or establishing yourself as a major player in your niche, you’ve got to work hard. And by working hard, I mean being active across multiple platforms and consistently posting 5-7 times a week. Don’t limit yourself to just one. Stay consistent in engaging with your community—reply to every comment.
Also, be authentic. Trying to please everyone means you’re not really connecting with anyone. Once you find your niche, your audience will find you. And remember, don’t get caught up in chasing trends. Trends come and go, and following them too closely dilutes your uniqueness. Sure, you can dabble in a few to see what resonates with your audience, but ultimately, people are investing in you and your authenticity.
Future Aspirations for Archer Kitchen
Dorothy: What’s on the horizon for Archer Kitchen? Any plans for the next five to six months?
Rebecca: Definitely! In the short term, I’m gearing up to launch my website, which is a major milestone for me. I want to transition my recipes from social media platforms to a dedicated website where people can easily access them. Also, I’m focused on growing my TikTok community further.
Looking ahead, hopefully by the end of this year, I’m excited to kick off my YouTube channel and start creating longer-form content. That’s something I’ve been really looking forward to. And you know, down the line, the ultimate dream would be to publish my own cookbook and see it on the Sunday Times bestseller list.
If you liked what you read today, I recommend hopping over to my YouTube channel to catch the full interview there. And don’t forget to give Rebecca a follow on all her social media accounts.
Archer Kitchen Instagram [click to open]
My YouTube link [click to open]
As always, I hope you found this blog post helpful. Feel free to drop a comment, leave messages, and share it with your friends and family—they might find it helpful too.
See you in the next blog post! 🚀
Good read!
Takeaway : Jump! Make that move, start that side hustle.
I’m definitely going to try some of Rebecca’s recipes!!